Surely, when you have ever gone to buy soil for plants, or looked at it on the Internet, you have found so many varieties that you do not know which one is the most suitable for the plant. Sometimes one is usually more suitable than others for one type of plants. One of the best known is volcanic gravel. But what do you know of her?
Below we will talk about everything you need to know about this land so that you can make the best use of it. Shall we start?
Contents
What is Volcanic Gravel
Volcanic gravel can also be found in stores as volcanic stone. And, as its name suggests, its origin is in volcanic projections. In other words, we are talking about pyroclasts. Other, perhaps less well-known, but at the same time common names for this plant substrate are pozzolana gravel or volcanic silicate.
It is volcanic gravel comes from the volcanoes themselves, of what they release. Therefore, it is highly valued, not because of its particular origin, but also because of its characteristics. For you to have a little more information, it is igneous rock which solidified and cooled once it left the volcano (coming from the magma). Therefore, its pH is usually between 7 and 8.
Also, you should know that this substrate does not have only one color. It can actually have different colors and shades, which makes it even more special for decoration. The most common is usually red, black, brown, purple or gray. However, that in itself is something that can raise or lower its price.
Characteristics of volcanic gravel
Do you want to know more about this substrate? Well, we are going to leave you with several information that may be of interest to you. Pay attention.
Even if it’s rock it actually weighs very little. And it is so because it is very porous. What does that mean? Well, it has many pores or holes in the rock so that water can get into it. This means that by buying this land, you realize that the bags weigh next to nothing, and that is why. But beware, that doesn’t mean it’s not good. In reality, although water can pass through the rock, it evaporates before damaging the roots of the plant and retains very little water.
What we have just told you makes it isolating. Keep in mind that it absorbs little water (leaving the rest to evaporate or filter out). And this implies that it insulates the roots from possible rots or problems related to irrigation. Even so, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t retain moisture; completely the opposite. If the balance between water and volcanic gravel is used well, you can have a substrate with maximum efficiency.
Finally, another fact that we can tell you is the fact that it can help you protect the floor. When there are sudden changes in temperature, plants can deteriorate. Therefore, to avoid this problem, the volcanic gravel can serve as a protection to maintain a constant and adequate temperature for the plants.
How volcanic gravel is used
The first thing you need to know about volcanic gravel is that it is not in itself a substrate that provides nutrients to plants. In fact, it is rather used as a drainage layer so that the soil is lighter and does not clump. Although in some cases it can be used in a greater proportion (for example in the case of bonsai), the truth is that they also need another land to be well nourished.
Also, when you use this land, you should know that you cannot throw it directly from the bag you bought in the field. When you buy these bags, they carry the unwashed gravel, and when you throw it away without further ado, the dust they give off settles at the bottom of the pots. And this one doesn’t go away easily. In addition to being able to cause problems in the factory.
For this reason, it is recommended, before use, to wash it sufficiently to remove it so that it does not damage the plant or can adversely affect the pH of the soil.
Apart from these data that we have communicated to you, you should also know that volcanic gravel can be used in two different ways:
- On the one hand, mixed with the substrate. This is usual since drainage is used so that the earth does not compact.
- On another side, only. In other words, apply a single layer of volcanic rock. In this case, you can apply it to the bottom of the pot, so that the roots are not flooded in case there is water below; or on the surface of the pot, to protect the roots and prevent light reaching the soil (this will prevent weeds, attack by pests such as snails or slugs) as well as moisture retention and temperature protection.
Uses of Volcanic Rock
Now that you have a better idea of what volcanic gravel is, you may know where to use it and how, but, How about we tell you about the different uses you can give it? In fact, it is not only used for drainage or to put it in the bottom or on the surface of the pots (or the garden), but it has more uses such as:
- On the roads. They are used to build roads or paths because it is a stone that has a beautiful decorative appearance and is also useful.
- in roundabouts. Especially for decoration; They perform no other function.
- For cacti. That is to say, to create a decorative environment linked to the desert. Also to prevent weeds from camping on the ground and disturbing the plants.
- In terrariums and aquariums. If you have animals, this rock can be used for decoration or to create a more natural environment.
As you can see, volcanic gravel can be very useful when you have plants, but also decoratively. Do you know more information about it?